Entrepreneurial mindset: Entrepreneurs’ Organization with Ramiro Saborio Robelo

Last week, we got a glimpse at how Ramiro Saborio Robelo got his start as an entrepreneur—from setbacks to triumphs. Today, we’re moving to the next chapter, where we explore how joining an organization dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs helped Ramiro on his journey to the top. 

The start of something great

Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) is a support network for entrepreneurs all over the world. It has over 14,000 members across 61 countries. The Managua chapter—in which Ramiro is an active member—was founded in 2012.

“A friend of mine—who was one of the early members—invited me to join, and I am so grateful for that,” Ramiro says fondly, recalling his experience as president of the Managua EO. He cites having the opportunity to make progress in EO despite his own business’s 2015 downturn as one of the things he’s most proud of. “I was juggling severe turmoil in my company, while trying to grow a 3-year-old organization. I’m proud of the fact that even though I was struggling in one aspect of my professional career, we were able to grow EO that same year.”

After he was president of the Managua Chapter, Ramiro accepted a position in the finance section of EO. He was the finance director of Latin America and the Caribbean, in addition to a member of the standing finance committee. Essentially, Ramiro was in charge of overseeing finances for his entire region, while also sitting on a global finance committee (…all while owning his own business. Color us impressed.)

Finding strategic success

Ramiro enjoyed his tenure of financial positions in EO—but eventually, he felt the need to pivot. He sensed new opportunities to grow, and as a result, he stepped down from his positions last year. Now, he’s shifted his focus to coaching. Not only is he a facilitator for regional strategy sessions, but he’s also a coach for their Accelerator Program, where he helps entrepreneurs grow their businesses.

According to Ramiro, the best part about being a strategy facilitator is having a hand in the strategic planning events. During a session, participants can expect a full day (7 hours, to be exact) to discuss where the Chapter is, where they want to go and assign individual accountabilities to help them get there.

“I love doing that,” Ramiro says, a light in his eye. “It’s one of the things that brings me energy. … We have a great time.”

A support system like no other

Last week, we learned how the Managua EO Chapter was an instrumental support system through Ramiro’s rocky start as an entrepreneur. And, according to Ramiro, the support is just as strong years later. Ramiro lauds his fellow entrepreneurs for always bringing an array of perspectives to every discussion, allowing the group to learn from—and with—each other. His local chapter has people from a diverse set of industries, including:

• Agriculture
• Construction
• Marketing
• Technology
• Consulting
• Law
• Tourism

Ramiro recalls just how valuable his cohort was in getting him through a rough year in 2015:

“When we were about to ‘invest’ in our fish farm, my forum mates told me that I should go smaller; do a prototype, then go big. Instead I thought, ‘go big or go home,’” he says, putting the word “invest” in air quotes. As it turns out, they were right. “I always tell them that every time I have a problem, the solution in this room is usually right. Every time I don’t listen to them, I usually get burned. So that illustrates how powerful that group is.”

What’s next for Managua’s EO Chapter? 

Though Ramiro no longer holds a leadership position in the organization, he has no plans to slow down anytime soon, and continually looks forward to the future of EO.

“I think the chapter has a great future ahead of it,” he says. “We have a great seed program, and [will continue to find] more entrepreneurs that are passionate about growing; and want to grow themselves as much as they want to grow their business.”